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COVID-19 vaccine and non-syndromic orofacial clefts in five arab countries. A case-control study
Rana A Alamoudi1, Heba Jafar Sabbagh2, Mohammad Zeinalddin3
1Pediatric Dentistry Department, Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, PO Box 80200, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia.
Objectives:
Risk factors for non-syndromic orofacial cleft (NSOFCs) include genetic profile and environmental exposure to medication and illnesses during pregnancy. We assessed the association between the COVID-19 vaccination and the incidence of NSOFC across five Middle Eastern countries.
Materials And Methods:
This multi-country, hospital-based, case-control study included infants with NSOFCs whose first 3 intrauterine months coincided with the time when pregnant women were allowed to receive COVID-19 vaccination in the countries participating in the study. Newborns with NSOFCs were examined for cleft type and their parents were interviewed for maternal exposures and COVID-19 vaccination. Controls were newborns matched to cases in gender and setting.
Results:
The study recruited 977 (348 children with NSOFCs and 629 controls). Maternal use of nicotine (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 2.437; P = 0.044) and family history of NSOFC (AOR: 11.059; P < 0.001) increased significantly the AOR of having a child with NSOFC. On the other hand, COVID-19 vaccine administration to pregnant mothers have significantly decreased the AOR of having a child with NSOFC (AOR: 0.337; P = 0.006).
Conclusion:
This study suggests that COVID-19 vaccination is not related to NSOFC and might protect against having a child affected with such a congenital anomaly.
Clinical Relevance:
The finding of this study is important for healthcare providers for considering COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant woman. Clear communication and education about the potential risks and benefits would be crucial for informed decision-making. The study's results would directly impact pregnant individuals, as they would need accurate information to make informed decisions about their health and the health of their infants.
